6 Parasitology - Coccidia

Taxonomy of Coccidia

The classification system for coccidian parasites, including their phylum, class, subclass, order, suborder, and species.

Coccidia

A subclass of microscopic, spore-forming, single-celled, obligate intracellular protozoa falling under the class Conoidasida.

Apicomplexa

A phylum of organisms that includes coccidian parasites and is characterized by the presence of secretory organelles.

Rhoptries, Micronemes, and Polar Rings

Secretory organelles found in coccidian parasites that allow them to enter host cells.

Coccidiosis

A disease caused by coccidian parasites, recognized as a major problem in animal farming and zoo management.

Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Cystoisospora, Sarcocystis, Toxoplasma

Species of coccidian parasites with medical and veterinary significance.

Sexual Cycle or Sporogony

The stage in the coccidian life cycle that involves the production of oocysts or sporozoites.

Asexual Cycle or Schizogony (Merogony)

The stage in the coccidian life cycle that involves the production of schizonts or merozoites.

Gametogony

The stage in the coccidian life cycle that results in the development of male and female gamonts.

Pseudopodia

Locomotive organelles used for feeding in coccidian parasites.

Trophozoites

Small intracellular but extracytoplasmic forms of coccidian parasites that attach to the brush borders of host cells.

Oocysts

Infective structures produced by coccidian parasites that contain sporozoites and are found in the feces of infected hosts.

Trophozoites

The active, dividing form of a parasite that infects other cells.

Schizogony

A form of asexual reproduction in parasites where trophozoites divide to produce merozoites.

Merozoites

The daughter cells produced by schizogony that infect other cells.

Macro- and microgametocytes

Male and female reproductive cells produced by the parasite.

Zygote

The result of fertilization between a macrogamete and a microgamete.

Oocysts

Structures resulting from the zygote, with two types:thin-walled and thick-walled.

Autoinfection

Infection caused by the thin-walled oocysts infecting other enterocytes.

Sporulated oocysts

Oocysts containing sporozoites that are excreted by the infected host.

Transmission

The spread of Cryptosporidium parvum and C. hominis mainly through contact with contaminated water or exposure to infected animals.

Excystation

The process of sporozoites being released from oocysts and parasitizing epithelial cells.

Gametogony

The sexual multiplication of the parasite, producing male and female reproductive cells.

Pathogenesis

The development and progression of the disease in the host.

Clinical Manifestations

The symptoms and signs of the disease in the host.

Malabsorption

The inability of the intestines to absorb nutrients properly.

Diagnosis

Methods used to identify the presence of C. hominis oocysts in stool or other samples.

Acid-fast staining

A method of staining that can quickly and cheaply diagnose the presence of the parasite.

Treatment

The options for managing and treating cryptosporidiosis, including nitazoxanide, bovine colostrum, paromomycin, clarithromycin, and azithromycin.

Epidemiology

The study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations.

Cryptosporidiosis

An infection caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium, which can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Epidemics

Unusually large outbreaks of a disease that affect a large number of people in a specific geographic area.

Water purification system

A system used to remove contaminants from water to make it safe for drinking or other uses.

Calf feces

Feces from young cows, which can contaminate water sources and lead to the spread of Cryptosporidium.

Nosocomial infections

Infections that are acquired in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital.

Prevalence

The proportion of a population that has a specific disease or condition at a given time.

Chlorination

The process of adding chlorine to water to kill bacteria and other microorganisms.

Cyclospora cayetanensis

A parasite that can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Cyanobacteria

A group of bacteria that can photosynthesize and produce oxygen.

Coccidian parasite

A type of parasite that belongs to the phylum Apicomplexa and infects the intestinal tract of animals.

Oocyst

A stage in the life cycle of a parasite that is passed in the feces and can infect other hosts.

Sporulation

The process by which a parasite's oocysts develop into a form that is capable of infecting a new host.

Fecal-oral transmission

The spread of a disease through the ingestion of fecal matter contaminated with the infectious agent.

Pathogenesis

The mechanism by which a disease develops and progresses in the body.

Malaise

A general feeling of discomfort or unease.

D-xylose malabsorption

A condition in which the body is unable to properly absorb the sugar D-xylose.

Acid-fast staining

A laboratory technique used to identify certain types of bacteria and parasites.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

A laboratory technique used to amplify and detect specific DNA sequences.

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

An antibiotic combination used to treat bacterial and parasitic infections.

Cystoisospora belli

The causative agent of a medical condition affecting the small bowel called cystoisosporiasis.

Cystoisosporiasis

A medical condition affecting the small bowel caused by Cystoisospora belli.

Isospora hominis

Another known species that is taxonomically grouped under the genus Sarcocystis.

Sporulated oocyst

Contains two sporocysts, each containing four sporozoites (infective stage).

Schizogonic phase

The asexual stage of the life cycle where sporozoites penetrate epithelial cells and develop into schizonts, which rupture and release merozoites into the lumen.

Asexual reproduction

The process of merozoites infecting new epithelial cells and continuing the cycle in the intestine.

Gametogony

The process where some merozoites undergo sexual stages to produce macrogametes and microgametes, which fuse to form a zygote that eventually matures into an unsporulated oocyst.

Sporulation

The process where the immature oocyst matures and contains sporoblasts that divide to form sporocysts, which then divide to produce four sporozoites each.

Trophozoites

Develop into schizonts that contain multiple merozoites.

Pathogenesis

The mechanism by which the parasite causes disease.

Clinical Manifestations

Symptoms and signs of the infection, which can range from asymptomatic or self-limiting gastroenteritis to severe diarrhea and fat malabsorption.

Cryptosporidiosis

A diarrheal illness that severe infections of Cystoisospora belli can resemble in immunocompromised individuals.

Giardiasis

Another diarrheal illness that severe infections of Cystoisospora belli can resemble in immunocompromised individuals.

Cyclosporiasis

Another diarrheal illness that severe infections of Cystoisospora belli can resemble in immunocompromised individuals.

Diagnosis

Methods used to detect the presence of Cystoisospora belli, including direct microscopy, concentration techniques, staining methods, and molecular-based techniques.

Charcot-Leyden crystals

Crystal-like structures that may be seen in the stool specimen.

Treatment

Management and medication options for asymptomatic and symptomatic infections, including trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and combination therapy with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine.

Epidemiology

The study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations.

Cystoisosporiasis

A disease caused by the parasite Cystoisospora belli, characterized by diarrheal episodes.

AIDS

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, a condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that weakens the immune system.

Lymphoma

A type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.

Leukemia

A type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.

Organ transplants

The surgical procedure of transferring an organ from one person (the donor) to another (the recipient).

Endemic

Referring to a disease or condition that is regularly found and maintained in a particular population or geographic area.

Sarcocystis spp.

A genus of intracellular protozoa that can infect humans and animals worldwide.

Sarcosporidiosis

Infection with the parasite Sarcocystis.

Protozoa

Single-celled organisms that can cause diseases in humans and animals.

Zoite

The simplest form of a protozoan parasite, characterized by a banana-shaped cell with a pointed anterior end.

Oocyst

A thick-walled structure produced by certain parasites, containing the infective stage of the organism.

Sporulated oocyst

An oocyst that has undergone sporogony, resulting in the formation of sporocysts.

Sporogony

The process of asexual reproduction in which sporozoites are produced within the oocyst.

Sporocyst

A structure formed during sporogony, containing sporozoites.

Sporozoite

The infective stage of a protozoan parasite, capable of infecting a host.

Refractile

Having the property of bending light, causing a change in direction.

Intermediate host

A host in which a parasite undergoes asexual reproduction or development.

Definitive host

A host in which a parasite undergoes sexual reproduction.

Schizogony

The process of asexual reproduction in which a parasite undergoes multiple divisions to produce merozoites.

Meront

A stage in the life cycle of a parasite, characterized by the development of merozoites.

Merozoite

The stage in the life cycle of a parasite that is capable of infecting host cells.

Metrocyte

A stage in the life cycle of a parasite, characterized by the formation of sarcocysts.

Sarcocyst

A structure formed by the accumulation of metrocytes, containing infectious bradyzoites.

Bradyzoite

The stage in the life cycle of a parasite that is infectious and capable of infecting the definitive host.

Unicellular

Consisting of a single cell.

Crescent-shaped

Having the shape of a crescent or half-moon.

Motile

Capable of movement.

Microgamont

The male form of a protozoan parasite, involved in sexual reproduction.

Macrogamont

The female form of a protozoan parasite, involved in sexual reproduction.

Zygote

A fertilized cell resulting from the fusion of a male and female gamete.

Clinical signs or symptoms

Observable indications or subjective experiences of a disease or condition.

Feces

Waste matter discharged from the intestines through the anus.

Carnivores

Animals that primarily eat meat.